Nesiritide, Injection nih-SIR-ih-tide

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: human B-type natriuretic peptide; vasodilator

Generic and brand names: nesiritide, injection; Natrecor

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to relieve shortness of breath in patients with uncontrolled heart failure.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• heart disease other than heart failure
• low blood pressure
• kidney problems

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is usually given while you are in the hospital. First you will receive an injection, followed by a continuous IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein).

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may cause a drop in blood pressure. Your blood pressure will be monitored constantly. You may feel dizzy or faint if you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Your healthcare provider will watch you closely to make sure the medicine is working and is not causing unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Irregular, fast, or slow heartbeat; chest pain, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, unusual tiredness or weakness, increased shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, trouble urinating.

Other: Headache, stomach pain, back pain, leg cramps, trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting, nervousness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• ACE inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril, enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril, lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik)
• diuretics (water pills) such as amiloride, bumetanide, chlorothiazide (Diuril), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), spironolactone (Aldactone), torsemide (Demadex), and triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide)
• natural remedies such as bayberry, black cohosh, California poppy, cayenne, coleus, ephedra, ginger, ginseng, golden seal, gotu kola, hawthorn, licorice, quinine, and shepherd's purse

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.